Sun Spider

Eremobates pallipes

The Sun Spider, or wind scorpion, is a fast-moving desert arachnid with enormous chelicerae (jaws) relative to its body size, capable of consuming lizards and other large prey. It is not a spider or scorpion but belongs to the separate order Solifugae. Despite horrifying internet legends, it is not venomous — it kills prey by crushing with its powerful jaws. It runs at remarkable speed across desert sand.

Habitat

Deserts, dry grasslands, and arid scrublands of the Southwest

Diet

Adults: insects, spiders, small lizards, and other arthropods

How common

Uncommon

Not certain it is a Sun Spider? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.